Installing French Patio Doors

Installing French Patio Doors

Installing french patio doors in your home will allow you to let beautiful natural light into your room while giving you a beautiful entryway to your patio. Unlike interior French doors that you might install elsewhere in your home, installing patio doors is a bit different because these doors will be exposed to everything that Mother Nature can throw at them, which makes buying a quality set of exterior french doors from the get-go important.

Choosing Your French Patio Doors

Wood is one of the most popular choices when installing french patio doors, but be certain to choose a kiln-dried species that will withstand the elements, and be aware that the ravages of time will necessitate that you apply new paint or stain to wooden patio doors. While most French patio doors are made from wood stock, another choice is vinyl patio doors, and they are heralded for their durability and wide range of color options.

Vinyl doors are harder to find but are available. Your doors should optimally be pre-hung and could be either the sliding or swinging type. Another important thing to remember when installing french patio doors is that you purchase a door with double-paned glass for your security and to handle harsh weather.

French Patio Door Installation Checklist

Most french doors have two active door panels that swing out or in from the center. Most commonly, you will need the following materials, equipment, and supplies when installing french patio doors:

1. 1. hammer
2. 2. caulk
3. 3. screw gun
4. 4. drywall screws - 3"
5. 5. level
6. 6. shims
7. 7. fiberglass sealer
8. 8. finish nails
9. 9. electric drill
10. 10. carpenter's square
11. 11. shims
12. 12. tape measure
13. 13. saw horse
14. 14. drill bits
15. 15. screw driver

16.                     wood filler

Tips When Installing French Patio Doors

1. 1. Unpack your pre-hung door carefully. There will be framing or boards attached to the door to protect it during transportation. Carefully remove these materials. Do not remove any clips that have been installed to keep the door aligned and closed in its frame.
2. 2. Check the gap inside the house and shim it as needed above the active door. This is an important step to the installation process; if the gap is too wide or too narrow, the door will not hang properly.
3. 3. Make sure that the entire door unit is plumb. Recheck to make certain.
4. 4. Do not allow the door unit to become twisted.
5. 5. Do not shim above the door's head jamb.
6. 6. Use your carpenter's square to ensure that the door unit is square and adjust as needed.
7. 7. The door should sweep and make even contact with the proposed threshold, or the threshold will need to be adjusted.
8. 8. Any gaps between the wall frame and the door jamb should be stuffed with insulation (fiberglass).
9. 9. Follow the patio door manufacturer's instructions carefully.
10. 10. Run caulking beads along the floor where the sill will rest to help insulate around the door.

11.                     Step back and enjoy your handiwork!

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